Testimonials

Memoir Writing Coach
Testimonials for Tammy L. Coia

Tammy Coia has given me the courage to pursue my dream of writing a book. She saw in me what I didn’t’ see; that I could write. Because of her faith, direction and encouragement, I’m actually going to publish my book. There were times in the past 2 years of working together, that I was discouraged. I would say to myself, “Whom am I fooling, I can’t write”. Tammy wasn’t hearing any of my self-pity talk. She would get me right back on track. She believed in me more than I did. I see now that I can write. Because of Tammy I was able to make my dream come true. Thank you Tammy. You have been life changing.Much love and respect,Veronica

Tammy is a gifted teacher/coach and is working with me on my memoir cookbook.
I met Tammy when I took her weekend workshop in Palm Desert, California and had a wonderful experience working among so many talented women writers. She held space for everyone and has a unique teaching style. The worksheets she puts together are excellent and good to use as a reference in future writing projects.. Tammy in our private sessions instilled some effective ideas to help me keep my focus and I feel blessed to have her as a coach.Louise Lowry

For the past 8 years Tammy Coia and her TLC Workshops, Retreats, and On-Line Writing Groups have given me an opportunity to hone my skills and practice my craft of writing a variety of genre. Memoir is often the focus; however, my responses may be prose or poetry. Her mentorship, while providing one-on-one consultation, gives me additional personal insight and encouragement.Jo Anne M Gill

Though there were many, I’ll share two treasured facts I learned from Tammy:

words are powerful

everyone has a story to tell

I learned these concepts some eight years ago, and they remain constant.

Having had no idea of ever writing, I wanted to share my story with my girls (2 daughters, 1 grand daughter). I think you know the rest of the story…I signed on for Memoir writing with Tammy, and continue to this day.

She has been beside me all through these years…teacher, coach, friend. And I’m just one of several hundred! It’s easy to describe Tammy. She wants the very best for every student in her class, in her workshop, on her trips. She is non-judgmental, and critiques in an intelligent, motivational and supportive manner. She is there for you to help you tell your story. She loves her craft, I love this woman.Sandra Donohue

Everyone has a story and Tammy Coia,The Memoir Coach, is the right person to gently coax it out of you.

We met in 2008 and immediately clicked. She taught me to write from my soul. She helped me recall the good times, the bad times, and all the times in between when I felt I couldn’t remember a thing. She used a series of prompts, pictures, writing exercises and classroom sharing to unearth buried memories. When my small, intimate class of five women read our stories aloud, we shared our joys and our sorrows and lots of laughter. We remain best friends to this day.

After I published my memoir (thanks to Tammy), I felt compelled to write a novel based on a slice of my life. Tammy now coaches me monthly in her “Online Writing Class.” We also meet quarterly during face-to-face consultations. She offers insights into my chapters, makes valuable suggestions for improvement, and inspires me to continue writing. She confirms my belief in myself and my writing.Tammy changed my life, I hope she changes yours.Pat Erickson

Thank you Tammy and the retreat ladies for helping me put things into perspective. I will never be the same. I have grown from this experience. You are my mentors. Tammy read a quote that will change my life: “The light inside yourself is always there, a pilot light, to be tended, sometimes bright with the fuel of love, acceptance, and inspiration. Sometimes a low flame waiting for a little wind or change to light it up again.” Thanks, Tammy, I needed it!Pat PattersonRancho Mirage, CA

Please spread the word about my writing workshops — the best form of advertising is always from one friend to another! Feel free to share my website to friends who may want to write their memoir. Introduce them to the wonder of sharing their story…Thank you! Tammy L. Coia

OMG! I can’t believe I waited so long! That was absolutely fabulous! I thoroughly enjoyed myself. The entire experience was very enlightening. Did I mention I love it? When I got home, I couldn’t wait to share with my husband. Sharing your writing with people is like trying on your bathing suit 2 months prior to swimsuit season then walking into a room full of people and told, “O.K., take off your robe.”
Can’t wait to do it again…Thank You, Tammy, for an inspiring, uplifting, and simply wonderful afternoon.Luisa Jacques Palm Desert, CA

Dear Tammy, I just received the parcel in the mail where you kindly sent my errant earring and my charging wire that I left behind, and I’m instantly transported back to Corfu. When I first signed up for your writing retreat I didn’t expect Corfu to be this magical island nor did I know how much I would love our wonderful, warm hostess, Elena. Olive Retreat is definitely a place of tranquility and quiet which you must visit if you’re seeking to write, practice yoga or meditation. Here you will find much-needed solitude and secluded villas. And if you get too lonely, there’s always the amazing Elena offering to take you sightseeing in the Old Town of Corfu or a bucolic olive farm, where no visit is complete without a glass of wine! And enough can’t be said about Tammy, who’s a consummate professional and excellent memoir coach. . .even with a glass shard stuck in her eye, she did not once waver from coaching us, guiding us and leading us in every morning and afternoon session. You’re the best, Tammy! And Corfu is a must-see place, a treasure of the Ionian Sea, a sleepy and unspoilt island of Greece. The sights, the architecture, the charm of downtown, the smells will leave you yearning for more!Anoop Judge (author of The Rummy Club)San Francisco, California

Dear Tammy,
Words cannot express how grateful I am to you for all of the help and support you have given me while I have stumbled along the path, my story, my book. Your workshops and Loreto Bay Retreats have been so educational, inspiring and spiritual. When I took the opportunity to start attend your writing workshops in Palm Desert 3 years, it opened up a whole new world for me, learning writing techniques and meeting creative and inspiring new friends who are supporting me to day with my book. You also guided me to discovering the magical spirituality of your Loreto Bay retreats. Because I chose to take the path less taken, I not only gained an empowering Mentor, I also gained a life long friend and I am now on my way to publishing my book.Thank you from the bottom of my heart,Sandy Higelin (Mary Dolor)

I attended my very first writing retreat ever, with Tammy Coia, in Corfu, the first week of June 2017. It was a truly unbelievable experience . I absolutely loved every moment. Tammy is a warm, sensitive ,open, encouraging and inspirational teacher and writer. I immediately felt comfortable in her presence …. Her gentle approach , along with her own willingness to share her stories supported me to share my own stories in a safe and supportive environment. Writing with other women, hearing their unique voices was truly memorable. Tammy’s extensive writing background coupled with her life experience has given her an amazing gift …. The ability to teach, listen, inspire , support and write , with perspective , openness and passion . I absolutely can not wait to write again with Tammy ! I feel inspired to continue writing and telling my story. Thank you Tammy with my whole heart….

The Villa in Corfu where we stayed during the retreat was absolutely beautiful . Our host, Elana , was outstanding ! She ensured that every detail was taken care of, that we did not want for anything. She arranged all of our transportation, our wonderful and many excursions and all of our incredible Greek meals …. Oh , the food ! She was akin to our ” Den Mother , ” the absolute consummate host ! Elana , herself, so warm and caring , arranged a special surprise dinner and entertainment for us on our last night at the Villa. We were able to share an evening , with Elana’s family and friends , full of laughter and dance, that I will never ever forget. I left Corfu with not only wonderful memories but with new and wonderful friends.Kim Almond-PikeGuelph, Ontario Canada

Until I met Tammy, I was afraid to let anyone see my writing. She made it safe. Through her advice, encouragement, and support, I was able to complete my first draft — I wrote more than 200 pages.Thank you, Tammy! Virginia Simpson

Amherst writing is a spontaneous response to a previously unknown prompt. It’s a gut reaction that presents an opportunity to write in a variety of styles and genre, for the pure joy of writing.Jo Anne Gill Palm Springs, Ca

Tammy Coia has provided a forum in which to share her passion with like hearts through Women’s Writing Workshops. She has created a safe and encouraging environment where we women can reveal our vulnerabilities and fully connect with our true selves. Her writing lessons are thought provoking and intertwined with practical self-esteem building exercises.

Aside from the instructional elements that Tammy imparts, she readily displays her warm personality and enthusiasm for her craft. She motivates us with positive reinforcement and she is an absolute pleasure to be around. Women’s Writing Workshops has been a wonderful experience for me on many levels and I urge any and all women who have any interest in documenting their lives to take Tammy’s class.Aimee Mosco, La Quinta, CA.

Please spread the word about my writing workshops — the best form of advertising is always from one friend to another! Feel free to share my website to friends who may want to write their memoir. Introduce them to the wonder of sharing their story…Thank you! Tammy L. Coia

If I’m absolutely honest, I’d have to admit that I didn’t have high expectations around the value I’d receive from Tammy Coia’s Writing Workshop for Women. My judgment had nothing to do with Tammy, a woman I’d never met, or with the stated Workshop goals I found on her website.

My judgment had everything to do with my fear of exposing any part of my creative self to a group of strangers! What I discovered about myself in Week Two of Session 1: Living a Legacy-Discovering Yourself, was a gift I will forever be grateful for in my life’s journey as I write and create.

Tammy’s weekly topics and writing lessons initially stuck me as benign on the surface; however, with each new thought, question or writing lesson, I found great value in the power they had to bring forth profound connections I’d never made and memories I’d long forgotten.

I am newly inspired and grateful for having met Tammy Coia and the remarkable women in her Workshops who embraced each other’s offerings with pure acceptance and support. I simply cannot wait to return to Palm Springs next winter to attend more sessions!Terrie Ten Eyck, Minneapolis, MN

Thanks for your brilliant Amherst course – definitely the best I’ve taken.It’s subtle and grows on you. I can hide within it and write in the third person and no one knows whether it’s fact or fiction. It’s all about feelings. We all “shared” our thoughts and were able to comment about what we liked in the piece, what the strongest point was and what we would best remember. My fellow writers definitely inspired me and I’ve done the best writing of my life.Peter McCabe Palm Springs, Ca

Hi Tammy,
I hope this note finds you well.

My Palm Springs holiday is over and I’m back home in Canada once again. Your 3rd Annual Women’s Conference was the highlight of my trip to Palm Springs so I just wanted to write and say thanks so very much.

Due to your Conference, I had two very exciting days of meeting amazing women and hearing spectacular presentations. I just have to ask you HOW MANY running medals do you have? I lost count. How every inspiring your talk was. What challenges will each of us take on because of your talk – it will be fun to hear next year when we all compare notes.

Your 4th Annual Women’s Conference is certainly on my calendar to attend again next year and I do plan to bring others with me. If you have a mailing list, please put me, or keep me, on it and I’ll also check in with your site from time to time to stay updated.

All the best and thanks again – what an inspiring event and a marvelous opportunity to meet so many productive and enthusiastic writers.Helen

Please spread the word about my writing workshops — the best form of advertising is always from one friend to another! Feel free to share my website to friends who may want to write their memoir. Introduce them to the wonder of sharing their story… Thank you! Tammy L. Coia

Dear Tammy, Just a quick pause to tell you how I valued the two hours I spent with you to discuss my memoir….. (had you all to myself!!!) Wanted to tell you how much It meant, encouraging me to build on my thoughts of how “life’s ironies” have contributed to my success in life. Your suggestions to build on this theme throughout my story, immediately released me to do exactly that. Additionally, a piece I recently wrote concerning this and read to you because I wasn’t sure where it belonged, you cleared the air and suggested it should be the final chapter, as it reflected my concluding thoughts, a summarizing statement acknowledging the empowerment of life’s lessons. . . . .Many thanks to you.Sincerely, Joan Suter

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"Because of Tammy I have found confidence in my writing and feel blessed to be honored in such a way. I have found my voice. I have found freedom! I recommend anyone for whatever reason to expand their life and sign up for her writing workshops or classes. You'll be amazed at how good you are and how everyone has a story worth telling. Sign up and set your voice free!"
— Wendy Price, Palm Desert, CA